GMB offices across the region fell silent today to remember the dead and fight for the living as the World commemorates International Workers’ Memorial Day.

At GMB’s regional office in Wakefield, Neil Derrick, GMB Regional Secretary, led the proceedings and the memorial bell was rung three times by local MP Mary Creagh just as Wakefield Town Hall struck 10am.

International Workers’ Memorial Day is a day when workers around the world stop to remember those workers killed, disabled, injured or made unwell by their job. It is a day to remember the dead and to fight for the living and a day to acknowledge the families and friends of those who have lost their lives through the effects of work.

Mary Creagh paid tribute to ‘GMB and the work it does in promoting health and safety and protecting GMB members in the workplace through a network of amazing health and safety reps’.

Joshua Smith, from the GMB Young Members’ Section was also in attendance at the event and spoke about the Mental Health Campaign that he had been working on with other GMB young members, to raise awareness of the increase in mental health issues in our workplaces and across society.

Neil Derrick, GMB Regional Secretary, said: “GMB campaigns tirelessly to improve health and safety in our workplaces. We all need to be safe in the knowledge that when we set off for work that we will return home safe. So many people don’t get that chance because they have been injured or killed as a result of negligent employers and bad employment practices.”  

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For further comment contact Neil Derrick on 0345 337 7777 or Caroline Jones on 07800 714247